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IFC Launches 2025 Update of EHS Guidelines – What It Means for Your ESG Strategy Published: August 2025 | ESG Consultancy Blog The International Finance Corporation (IFC); part of the World Bank Group has officially kicked off its 2025 Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) Guidelines Update Process, signaling a major shift in global ESG expectations. Whether you’re a sustainability leader, corporate compliance officer, or an SME looking to align with international standards, this update is worth your attention. What Are the EHS Guidelines? The IFC’s EHS Guidelines are globally recognized technical reference documents that provide industry-specific and general guidance on: &nbsp;• Environmental performance (air, water, waste, biodiversity) &nbsp;• Occupational health and safety &nbsp;• Community health &nbsp;• Infrastructure safety and emergency response They serve as the benchmark for IFC-financed projects and are widely adopted by private sector actors, investors, and governments looking to meet international best practice. What’s Changing in 2025? The 2025 process is a systematic review and modernization of over 60 industry-sector and general EHS guidelines, originally developed between 2004 and 2007. This is the most significant update in nearly two decades. Here’s what to expect: 1. Alignment with new scientific knowledge and global standards (e.g., WHO, ILO, EU, ISO) 2. Integration of climate change, biodiversity, emerging technologies, and Just Transition principles 3. Stronger emphasis on measurable performance indicators and ESG reporting alignment 4. Updates to energy efficiency, emissions benchmarks, and circular economy practices 5. Enhanced guidance for developing countries and fragile contexts How to Participate in the Public Consultation The IFC has launched a multi-phase stakeholder consultation, inviting governments, private sector entities, civil society, and ESG professionals to provide feedback. Consultation period: Until December 31, 2025 &nbsp;Where to participate: IFC EHS&nbsp;﻿<a href="https://www.ifc.org/en/what-we-do/sector-expertise/sustainability/policies-and-standards/ehs-guidelines-update-process-and-consultation-2025" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-mce-href="https://www.ifc.org/en/what-we-do/sector-expertise/sustainability/policies-and-standards/ehs-guidelines-update-process-and-consultation-2025"> Consultation Page - Click here</a> &nbsp;Who should comment: Companies relying on EHS guidelines, sustainability consultants, project developers, financiers, NGOs, regulators, and development agencies Why This Matters for ESG Strategy The updated EHS Guidelines will shape how investors, development banks, and international companies evaluate sustainability risk. If your ESG reporting, supply chain management, or due diligence processes reference these guidelines, now is the time to: Audit your current EHS alignment Adjust KPIs to reflect upcoming updates Train internal teams on the updated framework Engage in the consultation to voice your operational realities Our TakeThis update is more than a compliance refresh; it’s a strategic opportunity. Companies that align early will improve: &nbsp;• ESG ratings &nbsp;• Access to finance &nbsp;• Market credibility &nbsp;• Resilience to regulation At ESG Consultancy, we’re closely following the update process and supporting clients with gap analysis, capacity building, and stakeholder positioning. 📞 Need help preparing for the EHS transition? Contact us for a tailored briefing or compliance review - contact us via the contact page&lt; #IFC2025 #EHSUpdate #SustainabilityStandards #ESGCompliance #JustTransition #ClimateRisk #EnvironmentalHealthSafety #ESGConsultancy&nbsp; #esgacademy

IFC Launches 2025 Update of EHS Guidelines – What It Means for Your ESG Strategy

Hello August – It’s Time to Power Up Your SME’s ESG Journey!Learn to report like a pro; even if you’re a small business.Big news: the European Commission has officially endorsed the Voluntary Sustainability Reporting Standard for SMEs (VSMEs) — and this is your moment to get ahead of the game.Developed by EFRAG, this standard helps small and medium-sized companies take charge of their ESG performance in a practical, cost-effective, and proportionate way. That’s right — no more struggling to keep up with big companies’ standards! <figure id="figure-2skxx92vqfmdsu2bi8"><img id="2skxx92vqfmdsu2bi8" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/31zE8yM5jiJX2qUR16N004nalGcxS16DJAaGqcZuWg8YVlel3zlZZXoHOu7dKjmv.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="undefined" data-positionY="undefined" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure>Is your SME ready? Whether you’re in aviation, logistics, construction, consulting or agriculture; the VSME tools can help you:<ul style="list-style-type: square;" data-mce-style="list-style-type: square;"><li>Show transparency to banks and clients</li><li>Improve access to financing</li><li>Align with CSRD &amp; supply chain demands</li><li>Contribute to the green economy</li></ul>We know most SMEs don’t have a full ESG team. That’s why we’re offering you two powerful options:1. Learn it yourself with <a data-mce-href="http://www.esgacademy.education" href="http://www.esgacademy.education" title="ESG Academy Official" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ESG Academy</a> Get access to our &nbsp;affordable online trainings tailored for:<ul style="list-style-type: square;" data-mce-style="list-style-type: square;"><li>Voluntary SME Reporting (VSME)</li><li>CSRD for beginners &nbsp; 2. Prefer expert guidance?</li></ul>Our consultants at ESG Consultancy can:<ul style="list-style-type: square;" data-mce-style="list-style-type: square;"><li>Help you build your simplified ESG or VSME report</li><li>Guide you through CSRD readiness</li><li>Deliver ESG workshops for your team</li><li>Offer tailored ESG action plans &nbsp; Missed our<a data-mce-href="https://esg-consultancy.be/sustainability-report-2024-2" href="https://esg-consultancy.be/sustainability-report-2024-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> ESG Consultancy Sustainability Report</a>?</li></ul> We walk the talk. Our 2024 ESG Consultancy Sustainability Report is live&nbsp; with real actions, real clients, and real results.

VSME Reporting Training at ESG Academy

As of April 2, 2025, significant developments have occurred regarding the European Union's "stop-the-clock" proposal, which aims to delay the implementation of certain corporate sustainability reporting and due diligence requirements. European Council's Position: On March 26, 2025, the Council of the EU's Committee of Permanent Representatives (Coreper) approved the Council's negotiating mandate on the "stop-the-clock" directive. This directive proposes to postpone: &nbsp; · &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;By two years, the application of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) requirements for large companies that have not yet started reporting, as well as for listed small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). · &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;By one year, the transposition deadline and the initial phase of application for the largest companies under the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD). &nbsp; The Council emphasized the urgency of providing EU companies with legal certainty regarding their reporting and due diligence obligations. &nbsp; European Parliament's Actions: On April 1, 2025, the European Parliament voted to fast-track the "stop-the-clock" proposal, approving the use of an urgent procedure with 427 votes in favor, 221 against, and 14 abstentions. This decision accelerates the legislative process, allowing for a final vote on the proposal scheduled for April 3, 2025. Next Steps: If the European Parliament approves the proposal on April 3, 2025, the directive will proceed to formal adoption. The Council has expressed its intention to finalize the directive by June 2025.<figure id="figure-jqmh0yexymm902m54t"><img id="jqmh0yexymm902m54t" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/183056491/photo/european-comission.jpg?b=1&s=2048x2048&w=0&k=20&c=4zrA4avGMpR9vxW5PYd0MKS1sGuK6DAmKrK3bNw1czo=" alt="european comission" title="european comission" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="undefined" data-positionY="undefined" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure> These developments reflect the EU's commitment to simplifying sustainability reporting requirements and providing companies with additional time to comply with forthcoming obligations.

Latest Update on the Omnibus Proposal

<h2>Future Trends</h2>Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria are becoming more important in the corporate world. Companies are focusing on sustainability to meet regulatory requirements and customer expectations. <blockquote>ESG careers are on the rise as a result.</blockquote>The demand for ESG and sustainability professionals is expected to grow. Companies are increasingly prioritizing sustainability in their operations. This trend is likely to continue in the coming years.Professionals wanting to make a positive impact on the world can with the right skills and education hrive in this growing field.Consider exploring these roles if you are passionate about sustainability. The future is bright for ESG and sustainability careers.

Top Jobs in 2024: ESG and Sustainability Careers

🐲Exciting News! 🐲We are hosting a second webinar on #internationalwomensday2024March 8, 2024 - 🕜 4PM EST&nbsp;The title of the webinar is:&nbsp;✈️ INCLUSION IN THE AEROSPACE &amp; AVIATION SECTOR ✈️&nbsp;Speakers are&nbsp;👩🏿‍✈️Chioma Onyedikachi Okoro, PhD - aircraft engineer, private pilot.&nbsp;👩🏽‍✈️ Priya Dobaree, IFALPA’s representative to the ICAO Air Navigation Commission&nbsp;🦸🏽‍♀️Angela McCullough, Aviation ExecutiveModerator: Francine Carron, CEO ESG Consultancy&nbsp;We'll tackle challenges, share strategies for inclusion, and discuss actionable steps for fostering diversity and inclusion in the sector. <a title="IWD24 Webinar Inclusion in Aviation and Aerospace" href="https://tinyurl.com/ESG-Webinars" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-mce-href="https://tinyurl.com/ESG-Webinars">https://tinyurl.com/ESG-Webinars</a><figure id="figure-occ9587k9nltgaiak5"><img id="occ9587k9nltgaiak5" src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/4tSHndD1uO3AI0bt852b14HAckwsGNcxxfkVanutlC5CEwW3NcZvGC6sladkRb4M.png" alt="Leading Black and Brown Ladies in Aviation " class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 70% 70%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="70%" data-positiony="70%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/4tSHndD1uO3AI0bt852b14HAckwsGNcxxfkVanutlC5CEwW3NcZvGC6sladkRb4M.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 70% 70%;"></figure>

IWD24 Inclusion in the Aerospace and Aviation Sector

🔔 Exciting Announcement! 🔔🌍 Let's celebrate International Women’s Day together on March 8, 2024, by delving into a crucial discussion on the intersectionality of gender and sustainability! 🌱Join us for a FREE webinar where we'll explore how empowering gender equity can drive sustainability initiatives forward. Our esteemed speakers will share their insights and experiences in this dynamic field:💁🏻‍♀️ Khadija Rejdy: Founder of UPOP, a leading diversity, inclusion &amp; equity agency. 💁‍♀️ Cate Bichara: Independent expert at EASA with a decade of experience in gender. 💁🏽‍♀️ Francine Carron: CEO at ESG Consultancy NV, bringing over +20 years of experience in sustainability to the table.This promises to be an enlightening session filled with thought-provoking discussions and actionable insights. Don't miss out on this opportunity to be part of the conversation shaping the future of gender equality and sustainability!Join the conversation through the following link: https://tinyurl.com/ESG-Consultancy-Webinars<figure id="figure-7kpkllso0bltga3xds"><img id="7kpkllso0bltga3xds" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/19ZYwkUEnsANd1Vu5SFtSPY2V4G9Aq2zVZNmmwQ5EhroCKsOebjaJLRkJoji5xZG.png" alt="person holding pencil near laptop computer" title="person holding pencil near laptop computer" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 30% 25%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="30%" data-positionY="25%" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure>Let's come together to drive positive change and make a difference! See you there! 🌟&nbsp;#InternationalWomensDay #GenderEquity #Sustainability #Empowerment #Webinar #Intersectionality

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IFC Launches 2025 Update of EHS Guidelines – What It Mean...

VSME Reporting Training at ESG Academy

Latest Update on the Omnibus Proposal

Top Jobs in 2024: ESG and Sustainability Careers

IWD24 Inclusion in the Aerospace and Aviation Sector

International Women's Day: Inclusion in Action: Empowerin...